Farmers' markets in west Oxfordshire will continue to receive the support of the district council during 2002.

The cabinet has given the go-ahead for markets to take place in Witney, on the third Thursday of every month, and in Chipping Norton, on the fourth Friday of the month.

But the council is limiting the number of stalls selling meat products and wants to encourage more cheese and bread producers.

Cabinet leader Barry Norton said it was important the district maintained and improved the markets, which were originally set up in 2000 to give a boost to the farming industry.

The Witney market attracts more than 20 stallholders, while Chipping Norton averages about 12 stallholders.

Single markets have been held in Bampton, Woodstock and Charlbury, and will continue on an occasional basis.

Markets in Carterton have been scrapped because of a lack of interest from both customers and traders.

The Witney market attracts more than 20 stallholders each month.